7 posts tagged “gnostic”
In podcast episode 72, Christopher Knowles returns to the show for the second part of our fascinating interview (if you haven’t already, please listen to part 1 – Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1).
Chris continues to stress the importance of questions instead of answers and that fiction, especially science fiction, is one of the best methods to use for exploring the possibilities of our imagination and the Universe. Don’t miss this second part of the conversation with the amazing Christopher Knowles. His research and inquisitive perspective highlight some of the great mysteries that continue to occupy humanity in our quest to discover who and what we truly are.
relevant links:
Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1
“Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” by Christopher Knowles
“The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies” by Chris Knowles and Matt Hurwitz
intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold
outro music by Aarni – “Anima”
direct link to download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast72_ChrisKnowles_it.mp3
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I am pleased to announce that Occult of Personality will soon offer additional recordings as part of a new members subscription section. In these additional interviews and conversations, featured guests will provide expertise in specific areas of esoteric study. Members will also have access to meditations guided by featured guests that utilize the power of consciousness to aid in personal development. The audio archives of older podcast episodes will be made available to members as an added bonus.
In addition to receiving extra audio recordings for most upcoming guests on the show, listeners will also have an option to sign up for Rising Phoenix Foundation’s “The Inner Fire Journal” by David Goddard (our guest in episodes 54 and 62). “The Inner Fire Journal” is dedicated to the practice of true Alchemy and the Hermetic Arts and is published each month. “The Inner Fire Journal” features high grade Western Mystery teachings, guided meditations, audio, video, and more.
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In podcast episode 68, we’re joined again by Christopher Knowles. Chris is the author of the Eagle Award-winning “Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes,” published by Red Wheel/Weiser and co-author of “The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies,” published by Insight Editions. This time, Chris joins us for a very in-depth discussion about the themes explored in his blog, “The Secret Sun”.
Chris describes his research as modern mythology, alt-history and pop-cult symbology. We begin our conversation as he analyzes the Sun from a variety of perspectives, including scientific, symbolic, mythological, and religious. Chris traces some of the beginnings of solar symbolism and how these origins informs his work. By examining current events with a focus on symbolism and synchronicity, his work uncovers many interesting correspondences.
Chris expresses his view that the evolution of humanity will include
the development of many concepts that are now considered marginal, but
celebrated in popular culture and media, such as psychism,
psychedelics, shamanism, and other ways of changing consciousness. Of
course, these ideas hearken back to ancient cultures.
Chris talks about his views of ancient Mystery schools, esoteric orders, Freemasonry and the similar symbols that they employ. He shares his thoughts about the Sirius mystery and we talk about the multiple levels of meaning in esoteric symbols and texts. From there, we delve into ancient astronaut theory, space travel, and the living Universe of which everything is an expression.
Chris stresses the importance of asking questions instead of finding answers. He also talks about the utilization of science fiction, and fiction in general, to express ideas that often are not considered seriously outside of that realm.
Don’t miss the second part of this fascinating conversation…
relevant links:
“Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” by Christopher Knowles
“The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies” by Chris Knowles and Matt Hurwitz
intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold
outro music by John McNair – “Pagan Queen”
download .mp3 podcast -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast68_ChrisKnowles_it.mp3
Our discussion delves into Points Chauds.
“… we can roughly define the points chauds (French, lit. “hot points”) as locations on the human body that are “power points,” that can be empowered and/or activated, and that are directly connected with both the subtle body and some source of energy that is external to, or extends beyond the borders of, the human body… Tau Allen Greenfield, the bishop overseeing the current Great Arabia Working of points chauds empowerments, has described the points in connection with “the Quasi-Masonic sexual and mystical empowerment ‘points’ on the human body, part of a lost system of 360 points, possibly of Akkadian-Sumerian origin . . . and carried forward by the lineage of mystical and magical priesthoods to the present time.” Greenfield has delineated the connections between the points chauds system and the Rites of Memphis-Misraim, which he believes to comprise a quarter of the original and lost “primitive” shamanic systems of initiation/empowerment.”
- excerpt from “Points Chauds 101” by Tau Naamah
Lastly, we talk about Congregational Illuminism.
“What does it mean to work in free communion? First, one should realize we are here talking about certain underlying principles rather than hard and fast rules. Congregational Illuminism is an open system based upon these principles. Being an open system it is fluid and adaptable rather than rigid and constrained. Free Communion is a verb (i.e. these principles put into practice), or as some may prefer, a particular approach that is adopted to engage in the Work.
Congregational Illuminism is non-hierarchical and non-authoritarian. This means there is no rank or stratification and there is no central authority or “inner circle”. Congregational Illuminism is based on a bottom-up rather than a top-down model. We feel that all too often has it been shown that strict hierarchies within magical organizations have led to petty politics and useless power struggles. We say, do away with all this, level the playing field and focus on the Work. We have no Grand Poobahs. What we do have is an ever-growing number of sincere and dedicated Illuminists who have voluntarily come together in free association with each other to work in unity, openness and peace.
Our goal is Illumination. Our approach is both experimental and experiential. We are not an Order, or a singular organization. Many independent groups have formed. Many individuals contribute in their own ways as well. We view this diversity as a great benefit. We share our gnosis across borders. We peer review our successes and our failures. We feel this approach aids us all in attaining a closer approximation to what is true and to what works. We hold no superstitions sacred. We take a scientific and functional approach to the Work. There is nothing to hide. There are no secrets. There are only our own efforts and struggles towards enlightenment. This is enough.”
- “A Brief Introduction to Congregational Illuminism” by Tau Dositheos
Thanks again to Tau Allen Greenfield, Tau Dositheos, and Tau Naamah. I strongly support and endorse them, their contributions to the Great Work, and Congregational Illuminism.
relevant links:
“Rite of Memphis-Misraim” Wikipedia entry
“360/90 Points Chauds System for Scrying the Universe” by Tau Allen Greenfield
“Points Chauds 101” by Tau Naamah
“FAQ on Points Chauds” by Tau Naamah
“Podcast 31 - “Scrying the Universe” with T Allen Greenfield”
“Points Chauds, Circles, and the Authentic Tradition” by Tau Allen Greenfield
“The Voudon Gnostic Workbook: Expanded Edition” by Tau Michael Bertiaux
“A Brief Introduction to Congregational Illuminism” by Tau Dositheos
“How to Form a Congregational Illuminist Body”
Assembly of the Knowledge & Wisdom of Solomon
Smashing Illusions - Tau Allen Greenfield’s Livejournal
Another Occultist with a Blog - Tau Naamah’s web site
Congregational Illuminism Facebook page
Occult of Personality Book Shoppe
intro music by HipGnosis
outro music by Dead Can Dance, excerpt of “Chant of the Paladin”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/03/03/podcast-57-congregational-illuminism-and-points-chauds/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/197/0/OoP_Podcast57_PointsChauds_it.mp3
N.B.: In addition to the normal single audio file, because of the large audio file size, the recording is also available as two separate .mp3 files at Occult of Personality.
T David Beth is a Gnostic Bishop, a mage, a teacher, a writer, a philosopher, an esoteric explorer and Sovereign Grand Master of Ordo Templi Orientis Antiqua and La Couleuvre Noire, two esoteric orders that practice Voudon Gnostic Magic. His most recent book is entitled “Voudon Gnosis” and is available from Scarlet Imprint publishers.
relevant links:
“Voudon Gnosis” by David Beth
Ordo Templi Orientis Antiqua and La Couleuvre Noire
“The Voudon Gnostic Workbook: Expanded Edition” by Michael Bertiaux
“Hyperborea” Wikipedia entry
“René Guénon” Wikipedia entry
“Julius Evola” Wikipedia entry
“Ludwig Klages” Wikipedia entry
intro music by HipGnosis
outro music by Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, excerpt of “Black Star”
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2009/01/20/podcast-55-david-beth/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/167/0/OoP_Podcast55_DavidBeth_it.mp3
Our friend Bishop T Allen Greenfield returns to the show to talk about Gnostic history and philosophy.
Dr. Greenfield is particularly well-qualified to discuss this subject considering his extensive experience in Gnostic churches serving as bishop. Our conversation covers the definition of Gnosis and Gnostic, the history of ancient sects, the philosophy through the ages, modern permutations of the Gnostic doctrine, and Dr. Greenfield’s own personal lineage.
Notable points include differing perspectives on the concept of the Demiurgus and the resultant differences in the views on body and spirit, the secret societies and esoteric orders that have carried the Wisdom, and Apostolic succession.
“These are mysteries, O Israel,
Difficult to understand.
With much searching shalt thou still fail
To grasp them,
Unless thy search be rightly prosecuted.
Yet the Way to Understanding is ever open
To him who will follow it steadfastly.
It is the Way of the Heart,
And thou shalt be guided therein
By thine own inner Hearing.”- Paul Foster Case from “The Meditation on Vav” in “The Book of Tokens”
relevant links:
Smashing Illusions - Dr. T Allen Greenfield’s Livejournal web site
The Assembly of the Knowledge and Wisdom of Solomon
“T Allen Greenfield’s Spiritual and Fraternal Heritage”
The North American College of Gnostic Bishops
previous appearances - “Podcast 35 - An Inquiry Into Suppressed Information“, “Podcast 31 - Scrying the Universe“, and “Podcast 17 - The Secret Cipher”
“Victorian Fire: The Origins of Sexual Magick” by T Allen Greenfield
“Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Gnostics, a Contibution to the Study of the Origins of Christianity” by G.R.S. Mead
“Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism” by Kurt Rudolph
“Gnosis and Hermeticism from Antiquity to Modern Times” by Roelof van den Broek
intro music by HipGnosis
outro music by The Quiet Earth Orchestra, excerpt of “God” (thanks to John Ludi)
original link -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/2008/03/01/podcast-43-gnosticism/
direct link to download .mp3 audio file -- http://www.occultofpersonality.com/podpress_trac/web/64/0/OoP_Podcast43_Gnosticism_it.mp3
Although far too simplistic as a definitive description, this chart does seem to assist those asking the question, "What are the ideals espoused by Gnostics and how do they differ from 'traditional' theology?"
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On March 17, a date now celebrated everywhere as St. Patrick's Day - the day that St. Patrick drove the Serpents from the Blessed Isle, was the same date in 1244 that many of the perfecti of the gnostic Cathars were burned to death after the fall of their fortress of Montsegur to the siege of the Inquisition.
Hancock & Bauval's excellent book, Talisman, tells the story of the Albigensian Crusade, a battle not only for life and death, but for men's eternal souls. One of the reasons why the Cathars in Occitania had been able to hold out since the French occupation began in 1229 was the natural defenses of the mountaintop fortress of Montsegur. The perfecti would often flee to their safe haven from the Inquisition and it's murderous minions. This place stood as a symbol of their resistance and endurance in the face of violence and religious and spiritual persecution.
The event that supposedly began the downfall of Montsegur was when, in May of 1242, the lord of the castle, Peter Roger of Mirepoix, sent assassins to Avignonet to kill the Inquisitors. They claimed to have done it to extinguish the Inquisition altogether, but it had just the opposite effect. The siege of Montsegur began a year later and was over in 10 months. Hundreds of perfecti, the clergy of the Cathars - considered holy men and women, were dragged out of the castle and down the mountain to be burned alive. The French crusaders created a little Hell on Earth.
Is it just a coincidence that the date this event occurred on is March 17 and that this date is commemorated the world over as a (semi) religious holiday named for a saint? Were the gnostic Cathar perfecti the Serpents, and Montsegur their Blessed Isle?
2007 Occult of Personality. Licensed under Creative Commons.
